What is the difference between “Nature Sketching” and “Nature Journaling?” Is coffee an essential art supply? What is the best advice for new nature sketchers? How can I go nature sketching with Christine Elder?! We answered all these questions and more in our conversation last night. However, there was one thing we didn’t get to talk about. I forgot to ask her what art supplies are best for nature sketching!!! Fear not, I will cover that here.
Nature Sketching with Christine Elder
I have been wanting to interview Christine for sometime. She has been practicing nature journaling and sketching longer than most. She has also been teaching and leading trips for many years. Did you know that she went to the same science illustration program as John Muir Laws? I tried to get into the program but was not accepted! You can learn more about it here.
Throughout her website, Christine also emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature sketching, including its ability to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Her workshops and courses are designed to be accessible to individuals of all skill levels, and she encourages participants to explore their creativity and develop their own unique style.
Next, let’s look at some of the benefits of nature sketching.
What are the Benefits of Nature Sketching?
Nature sketching is a relaxing and enjoyable way to connect with the natural world and improve mental health. By capturing the beauty of nature on paper, individuals can quiet their minds and experience inner peace. Nature sketching also encourages self-expression and boosts confidence, as individuals develop their skills and find their unique style. Moreover, nature sketching deepens one’s understanding of the natural world by improving observational skills and appreciation for its complexity and diversity. It can also be a social activity that fosters connections with others who share a love for the outdoors and art. Participating in workshops and courses can help individuals form meaningful relationships and build a community around their shared passion. Overall, nature sketching offers a wide range of benefits for individuals of all ages and skill levels, from improving mental health and creativity to fostering connections with nature and others.
Art Supplies for Nature Sketching
Following is a list of Christine’s complete nature sketching travel kit directly from her website! To see more, including videos of her using them see this page of her website. However, if this seems like a lot of stuff, she does have a minimal setup as well. In fact, her minimal setup is just a sketchbook, mechanical pencil, waterproof pen, basic watercolor set, and a waterbrush. (Please note that I have adjusted her list slightly for readability and added some links. The links are amazon affiliate links so I get a small percentage if you purchase using the link. This helps me create all the free educational content that I produce. However, if you do not want to support amazon I totally understand.)
Firstly, the general supplies:
- Messenger bag or fanny pack for all supplies
- Blue Q Bag: small for art supplies
- Sketchbook: hard covered, spiral bound
multimedia - Lined journal for note-taking
Next, the Pencil Supplies:
- Mechanical pencils: various leads
- Colored pencils: Prismacolor Verithins (6 basics plus brown, grey) and/or Faber-Castel Polychromos pencils
- H20-soluble colored pencils: Derwent Inktense Brand.
- H20-soluble graphite pencil
- White charcoal pencil
- Soft sketching pencil
- Tortillion/stomp for blending
- Erasers: pencil eraser and kneadable
- Pencil sharpener (that holds shavings)
Thirdly (is that a word?) Pen Supplies:
Finally, everyone’s favorites the Watercolor Supplies:
- Sketchbook with watercolor paper
- Watercolor set with ~12 basic hues
- Gouache paint set or small white gouache tube
- Pentel Aquash water brushes in various sizes
- Stiff, small oil painting brush for textures
- Tube sock for arm to clean brush
- Sponge in Altoids box
- Wax resist stick/small candle
- Spray bottle (tiny spritzer kind made for perfume)
- Small water container and rag or paper towel
Want to go Nature Sketching With Christine Elder?
Luckily for you, Christine is leading several upcoming nature sketching opportunities. In fact, she even gave a special discount code for my fans for her upcoming class! This Saturday she is teaching an online class on sketching succulents. Here is the page she made just for us: https://christineelder.com/marley/
But what if you are ready for a nature sketching travel adventure with Christine? In that case check out her upcoming sketching trip to South Africa!
A little more about Christine Elder…
On her homepage, Christine emphasizes her passion for nature and the importance of connecting with the natural world through art, stating that her goal is to “inspire you to see and capture the beauty around you, no matter where you are.” Her “About” page further elaborates on her background and experience as a nature sketching artist, and provides insights into her creative process and inspiration.
Throughout her website, Christine also emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature sketching, including its ability to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Her workshops and courses are designed to be accessible to individuals of all skill levels, and she encourages participants to explore their creativity and develop their own unique style.
Overall, Christine Elder is a dedicated nature sketching artist and educator who is passionate about inspiring others to connect with the natural world through art. Her website showcases her colorful sketches and provides a wealth of information about her educational offerings, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in nature sketching.
Have you seen my other nature sketching interview?
Recently, I also talked to Debby Kaspari about nature sketching. Although I consider both of these artists nature journalers they tend to use the term nature sketcher. Debby is most known for her amazing website drawingthemotmot.com. Actually, Debby is one of my favorite artists! You can see more about that conversation with her here.
But what if I’m completely new to nature journaling?
One of the great things is that you don’t need to be an expert at nature journaling to get started. In fact, there are many benefits of nature journaling while you are a beginner. Nature journaling is focused on learning not knowing. The main enemy of learning is not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge. However, it might take some practice because this is not how most people think. The best place to start is “I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of.” Let et curiosity be your guide.
Regardless of your experience, we got you right here. Below are links to some super resources for beginner nature journalers.
Are you just getting started with Nature Journaling?
Here are tips and motivation for beginners.
